The lighthouses seminar hints at being a fascinating and interesting time. I find it amazing at the number of people who visit a lighthouse and find themselves enchanted. The tales of adventure, romance, shipwrecks, ghosts and pirates are ones that have captivated Alice Mack, and count on her passion and interest as she presents this glimpse into the world of lighthouses.

If you have an e-reader that you are not yet using, consider the session on Oct 8 for learning how to download and read options. Bring your e-reader to the class.

Upcoming

Next week continues the afternoon movie showings at the library. Showing on Oct. 9, at 1:30 p.m. is "Clandestine Childhood," 110 minutes, Spanish with English subtitles.

The book discussion on Oct. 15 will concentrate on "The Round House," by Louise Erdrich. Each character is realistically drawn, complete with the ambiguities that reside in each of us in this her 14th novel . This is kind of a sequel to her "The Plague of Doves" (ERD).

A fun presentation on Oct. 18 explores the cosmic symphony in the blend of astronomy and music. Make it an excursion where you can soak in this unique combination and then consider eating at the cafe' afterwards on the third floor in the Library Commons.

Publishing

We are aware that publishers have had challenges in recent years. Recently Penguin Group and Random House merged. Their combination is the largest trade publishing business ever, creating the world's largest publisher of consumer books, expected to publish 15,000 new titles each year. The merger will include well-known authors such as Dan Brown and Ken Follett, and maybe even more important, a vast back catalog including many classics and standards that may become more accessible.

Another mix in this changing landscape is the growth of self-publishing. As more authors become independent publishers, the big Five companies will find that they're competing less against one another and more against the lucrative and less frustrating path of self-publication.

Participate in the library's new reading program!

The library's reading program with a twist, "Human Resilience: A Community Story," continues this month as readers in our community read books on the theme of human resilience. To participate, choose a book to read from the program's reading list. Then share your thoughts in a short video or audio interview (your choice) at the library and reflect on your own resilience in tough circumstances. Your story will be joined together with other stories into a community movie presentation at the end of the program. All participants are entered into a drawing to win a grand prize of a Kindle Fire HD. Visit the library's web site or come to the library to pick up a program guide and reading list. Kids ages 5-12 are encouraged to participate in the kid's version of the program, "Kids of Courage."

Pest Control

We use a green approach to pest control seeking to partner with the environment so that pesticides do not harm library users, volunteers, staff and the environment. We encourage all to exercise these commonsense practices:

(1) Please drink only water in an enclosed bottle on the first and second floors of the library. No eating anywhere on these floors. If you wish or need to eat or drink, please use the Library Commons on the third floor.

(2) We ask homeless and those passing through for a few days not to use the restrooms for bathing or shaving or personal care. The library is not a hotel or motel and for homeless; Chapel By The Sea's program offers opportunities for cleaning up and good hygiene.

(3) While our cleaning processes adopt best practice, we find that some people's habits need more care for others, e.g. picking up any debris and paper on the floor because of one's own cleaning, or briefly moping around the sink when extensive washing of hands leaves the vanity top and sink area wet and saturated with soap. It only takes one person not using common courtesy to leave a mess that others must encounter during a later part of the day or evening.

(4) Recognize that the humidity and climate in Florida does invite an occasional ant or spider and a periodic sign of such need not cause alarm. Both cleaning and pest control occurs on a regular basis so being realistic about public usage is a big plus.

Do

Treasures have been added to the Friend's Bookstore on the third floor. Feel free to browse and purchase at minimal cost a title waiting to be discovered.

Thanks for your kindness in leaving a donation in one of the boxes for donations. Your goodness in this way goes a long way to enabling us to expand our resources and service.

Library Hours

When you call 765-8162 or 765-8163 during closed hours, a message gives the open hours. Summer open hours are Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 to 5; and Saturday 9 to 1.